Chartering a super yacht opens up a whole new world of adventure, whether motoring or under sail. We find out more from two leading specialists in the business.
There’s little doubt that, for many, the thought of spending long, indulgent days and nights aboard a beautifully equipped vessel is very appealing. However, this type of floating paradise doesn’t come without its major expense and responsibilities. Not only is there the initial, significant purchase price to consider, there are ongoing maintenance and upkeep charges, mooring and marina fees, not to mention the actual navigation and handling of the superyacht. That’s why chartering could be the perfect option for those who would like to try before they buy or simply wish to have all of the fun with no hassle.
Burgess Yachts specialises in the sale, purchase, new construction, charter and management of mega yachts. Alev Karagulle, director of marketing and communications at Burgess, says, “We offer a wide cross-section of superyachts for charter from about 35 metres up to the very largest of 100 metres and over. The common denominator is that all the yachts offered for charter by Burgess must meet rigorously high standards of maintenance, operation and customer service levels. We also manage close to 100 superyachts for charter within our in-house fleet.”
Burgess also finds that motor yachts are generally most popular as they have multiple deck levels and therefore offer more space, larger accommodation and more facilities overall. “This becomes especially apparent as the yachts increase in size,” Alev explains, “and you can expect the advantages of fully equipped gyms, on deck lap pools, massage rooms, dedicated cinemas, a choice of al fresco dining areas, large water-level beach clubs and an armada of jetskis, inflatable water parks and waterslides.”
The Mediterranean is the most popular charter destination as it offers the best of all worlds.
Charters are fully customised and there are no ‘set’ itineraries as on a cruise ship holiday. The minimum duration for a charter is generally one week and once a chosen yacht and cruising itinerary have been confirmed as available, a charter agreement will be drawn up upon which a deposit will be payable to secure the yacht. Selecting the yacht and defining the cruising itinerary can be a lengthy process as there are many variables to consider. It is therefore advisable to plan early to ensure availability of the best yachts.
The cost of the charter includes the hire of the yacht with crew and the yacht’s insurance. All other costs are excluded and are charged to the charterer ‘at cost’. These comprise: provisioning for meals, drinks, fuel for the yacht, tenders and motorised watersports, dockage, incidentals and the discretionary crew gratuity.
Burgess covers all destinations worldwide, but principally the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the South Pacific, the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia. Alev says, “The Mediterranean is the most popular charter destination as it offers the best of all worlds: attractive cruising grounds within easy reach and wonderful shore-based attractions. Being anchored off Bora Bora on a superyacht is, theoretically, heaven on earth, but in practice the desire to be cruising between Positano and Capri on a superyacht appears to have a greater attraction for most charter clients.
“All the yachts we offer for charter have a full professional crew, which includes a captain, a chef, possibly a sous chef (according to the size of the yacht), and crews dedicated to the yacht’s operations both on deck and on the interior. The larger yachts will also offer massage services, personal trainers and dive instructors. The objective is to offer a highly tailored, five-star service second to none. Yacht charter personifies the very pinnacle of luxury travel.”
